Sydney Archives - Page 17 of 42 - Destination's Journey

24 December 202224 December 2022

The Strand Arcade Sydney

The Strand Arcade Sydney

Located in the centre of the Sydney CBD and running from Pitt to George Street, the Strand Arcade is one of Sydney’s premier shopping destinations. Opened in 1892, The Strand is the only remaining arcade of its type in Sydney. With three levels, to explore and many cafes and restaurants, there’s plenty to see.

A Brief History of The Strand

Over time the arcade became neglected and run-down. However, in 1976, as restoration works were being undertaken a fire broke out causing extensive damage. Fortunately, instead of demolishing the building, the owner decided on an authentic restoration. As a result, the floor, staircases and shopfronts look exactly as they were when first built. Even the hydraulic lifts were restored.

What to Find on the Different Levels

Walking through the arcade, the cedar shopfront, balustrades and tiled floors all remind you of the 18th century. The stairs even have a lead covering to protect the cedar wood. There is three levels to the Strand. The top has high-end shops where you can find wedding dress makers, shoemakers, and old time barbers. Many of these shops have displays of the original tools used in their businesses as well as viewing into their workshops. Also from this level, you get a good view of the Strand Clock, installed by one of the original tenants that came from Germany and had a nut shop. When they decided to close they left this little bit of history for all to see.

The middle level has department brands that we all know and is relatively busy, while the bottom contains eateries, and a variety of everyday shop that we would visit regularly.

The original building had leadlight windows. Unfortunately, adjacent development has covered one from the outside. This has resulted in no light to show off its colours, but another nearby still has natural light to show off its design.

The Strand is very easy to find in the centre of Sydney and is a great place to visit, even if it’s only to browse the shops or have a coffee while admiring the architecture.

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

9 December 20229 December 2022

St. James Church Sydney

St. James Church Sydney

Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, St James Church Sydney is the city’s oldest church. Built between 1819 and 1824 using convict labour and consecrated on 11 February 1824 it has been in continuous use to the present day. Located at the end of King Street, the closest train station is St James which only a three-minute walk away.

During our visit, the altar area and organ were undergoing repairs. Unfortunately, Covid has caused delays to the replacement parts for the organ, however, the rest of the church is open to look around.

The Undercroft (The Crypt)

We were lucky to be able to see the undercroft (crypt), because it is not always open. One of the highlights, the Children’s Chapel is located here. Unique in Australia the murals were painted by the Turramurra Painters, a collaborative partnership of artists.

Also stored in the crypt are the ashes of former parishioners, including former prime minister Gough Whitlam.

Interior

The interior of the church was totally remodelled in 1900–1902, although the marble memorials were retained. It has also retained its original character as a Georgian town church. It has remained this way with the exception of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (south portico) which was rebuilt in 1988.

This is an interesting and historic little church, with the highlight being the undercroft and the Children’s chapel.

Central Aisle looking back — Central Aisle looking forward

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

3 December 202230 November 2022

Sharks Australian Museum

Sharks at the Australian Museum

Running until January 2023, the Sharks Exhibition at the Australian Museum is a fascinating display detailing everything you would want to know about sharks. From their origins and evolution, to their interactions with humans and the threats to their future, this is a very educational exhibition.

The Displays

Most of the displays have been taken from the museum’s collection, unlike other recent special exhibits which have been sourced internationally. All of the shark models were life-size, which was great because it lets us see how big they really are.

On entering, you are greeted with a prehistoric megalodon jaw, giving you an idea of the size of the largest shark to ever live. Next to this is a model of Helicoprion, with its unusual circular teeth that look like a circular saw.

Once past the prehistoric section, we got to see a range of modern sharks, from the grey nurse and Port Jackson sharks to the dangerous great white and tiger sharks. The largest model was an 8m whale shark (they can grow to 14m).

This was a fun and educational visit and families with kids should love it, with its interactive displays and realistic life-size models.